Official Web Site of Gretchen Christopher, BMI Million Airs Songwriter, Solo Artist, Dancer/Choreographer and The Fleetwoods' Founder

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A Note from Gretchen:

This Calendar reflects some of the fun parts of making my life and living in the Arts, as both a Generative Artist and a Performing Artist, and occasionally 
nourishing my soul as a member of a family or that larger family, the Audience.
In a very few instances, I have listed an event to which I have been invited but may not be present; yet I want to extend the invitation to you, to support the Arts, the Entertainers, and those for whom I am sentimental. This may be as simple as acknowledging, and celebrating in our hearts, the birth dates of some very special people.
 
  With love to share, 
 Gretchen Christopher

"2006 Blog updates and corrections, courtesy of Darrell French"
Send comments and questions to,
 webmaster@TheFleetwoods.com

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1
NEW YEAR'S DAY 
2
January, Recording, Pacific Studios, Tacoma, WA.
25
Happy Birthday, to my First Love, VOS, from your First Love, Gretchen.  
28
Birthday Greetings  to an amazing sister! "Survivor" SONJA!
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13
February, Recording, Pacific Studios, Tacoma, WA.
14 Happy Valentine's Day to "Heart " founder ROGER FISCHER, www.rogerfisher.com
Pacific Northwest Ballet,  Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle,WA
16 Happy Birthday, Broadcaster JOHN HENDRICKS!
20 Pisces Birthday of Original Fleetwood, BARBARA LIANE ELLIS
23 Pisces Birthday remembrance of Fleetwood Gretchen's Co-Songwriter, LEE J. JACKSON, 1936-1999
24 Pisces Birthday of Replacement Fleetwood, GENE HOWARD
26 Pisces Birthday of Fleetwood Gretchen's Son, CHRISTOPHER,  http://wacoly.com
27 Pisces Birthday of Fleetwood Gretchen's Dance Partner, DANIEL SCHWARTZ
28 Pisces Birthday of Fellow Singer, Dick 'n' Dee Dee's SANDY ST. JOHN - and -
Happy 1st Birthday, Little Pisces goddess Lilli, Grammy Gretchen's 4th "Grammy Award". (:o)
29 Pisces Birthday of TheFleetwoods.com original web site's Designer, RAENELL DAWN, co-founder of the
Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies (where Gretchen is on the List of Famous Leapies!)
http://leapyearday.com/FamousLeapies.htm
29 Pisces Birthday of Founder & Original Fleetwood, GRETCHEN DIANE CHRISTOPHER. Three generations of Pisces, Family celebration.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLEETWOODS, FRIENDS & PISCES!
2 Pisces Birthday remembrance of Fleetwood Barbara's husband PAUL LORANGER, 1943-2000
2 Pisces Birthday of Pianist, ANTONIO CASTILLO DE LA GALA
4 Pisces Birthday of former Disc Jockey, RALPH KOAL
11 Pisces Birthday of former Seattle Times Columnist, DON DUNCAN
11 Pisces Birthday remembrance of Fleetwood Founder's Father, IAN WESLEY CHRISTOPHER, 1900-1997
13 Pisces Birthday of Replacement Fleetwood, Cute Cousin KAREN CONE from Connecticut
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALL YOU FELLOW PISCES!
19 Pacific Northwest Ballet, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
  March, Recording, Pacific Studios, Tacoma, WA
  March, Letters of condolence in response to the deaths of two members of family of screenwriting friend, Victoria MacDonald.
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1 MASTERWORKS CHORALE ENSEMBLE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT and RECEPTION
honoring present and past SALUTE TO THE ARTS AWARD  RECIPIENTS, including Helen Christopher
(Mom, "Our Cultural  Treasure", as Judy Phillips calls her).
2-3 Pre-Mastering and CD Covers, Pacific Studios (all night,  designing and assembling basic package, 16 song CD,
for promotional  trip to L.A.)
 6 Lunch, laughter, and leave a copy of Gretchen's SWEET  SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) with our former Attorney and Past President of  NARAS, Al Schlesinger, Century City, CA
7-9 SCRIPTWRITERS SHOWCASE at the Sheraton Universal, Los  Angeles, CA, to which I've been awarded a Scholarship, on the  strength of having written and recorded Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN!  (SUITE 16) -
the soundtrack of our lives, and potentially a motion picture and Broadway show.

April 7, Attend Screenwriting Panels all day (cram in everything I  can and take no lunch).  I walk to City Walk, gulp a lousy quesadia  (sp?) and rush back for private screening of  motion picture, BANG  BANG. Screenwriter has fallen ill, and the star shows up in his  place, for Q & A: Robert Downey, Jr.! Very gentle and articulate.
 8 Screenwriting panels all day, again, cramming in all I can  and taking no lunch. Evening, Keynote Speakers, Academy Award Winning Screenwriters  Diana Ossana (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN) and Bobby Moresco  (CRASH) and Academy Award nominee Josh Olson (A HISTORY OF  VIOLENCE) .  Excellent  Q&A; especially of Diana Ossana
 9 "Take A Meeting" with Dick Clark productions' MELISSA MCLEOD  at 9:30AM. We make a great connection.  She wonders
why I chose Dick  Clark productions, I said, "because of our history together -- The  Fleetwoods on Dick Clark's BeechNut Hour" (not to mention American  Bandstand).  She said, "I just spoke with TONY ORLANDO!"  I said,  Oh, yes! TONY ORLANDO & DAWN -- another group of two girls 'n' a  guy!"  She said, "He just had a birthday and has a new CD."  I lit  up.  I've just had a birthday, too, February 29th, and I'm celebrating with this CD, would you like to see?" "Yes!" "It's called  Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16), because, when I first fell in  love, I was sixteen and he was 18 (the older man in my life : )   I  left to pursue all my dreams, and reached them, #1 Hits and all, as you know. I went through the things people go through, loneliness at  the top, love and loss, search for self, learning not to be a victim,  overcoming depression, having a new outlook.  Oh, and, after nearly  40 years apart, my first love and I are together again."  Her eyes  lit up even more.  "And I'm sweet sixteen again. A leap year baby!"   It was actually earlier in the conversation when I was telling her  about my marriage to Rich that she said, "You should write a book!  I  can see it as a Movie Of The Week."  "I say, but that's another  story, The Rich Years." I'm a bit flustered, there's so much to tell.  She wants and I give her a copy of the CD, show her the Sweet Sixteen  16-month Calendar, and ask her if she'd like a copy of JAZZ PROFILE  Magazine on whose cover I appear (not to mention the three page  interview, within).  Then and later that evening, as people are  converging over cocktails in the lobby, I don't feel like going to  the schmooze party, either;  I say we've hit it off so well, I really  don't even want to pitch it to anyone else; that I feel like  writing!  She says we'll be in touch several times a week. I ask if  there's anything I should be doing. "Just keep writing everything you  remember."  She said she'd phoned her father after our meeting and  said, "I met a woman who was with The Fleetwoods."  He said,  "Fleetwood Mac?"  She said, "No, The Fleetwoods."  He said, "Oh, you  mean Gretchen?"  She was amazed and so was I!  I asked what he did  for a living, and he was not in the music or entertainment industry.  I said, "Bless his heart!  Tell him 'hello' for me; that it's nice to  be remembered."

Later, another copy of CD to Screenwriter Panelist RICH WHITEGATE,  who gave me a mini screenwriting class, one on one, in the lobby.  He'll listen and mail it back to me.
10 Photos with SHELLY MELLOT, Publisher of scr(i)pt magazine,  and my thanks to her and her husband and staff for this rich  experience. I've definitely had a -- am inspired!

Head up the coast toward Walnut Creek in time for dinner, with sis,  Sonja, Gail and their guests.  Sonja plays three of my songs from the  CD, they ask me to and I lip synch the.  Penny says I should perform  at their club at Friday Harbor, WA; that lots of celebrities appear  there.  Next morning she calls to thank Sonja and says that they  should hire both Sonja and Gretchen to perform, together!
11 Music, Song & Dance Performance, SIBLING REVELRY, THE  CHRISTOPHER SISTERS, Gretchen & Sonja (Fleetwood & Survivor), We try out our spontaneous act at a home for the slightly demented, in Walnut Creek, CA. 

Dinner and overnight with brother Jim and sis in law, Gina, in Eureka, CA.
12 Promoting CD, as Vos and I travel up the coast, Vos adding  to his history of 34 years, driving professionally, without a ticket  or an accident. I give him an occasional shoulder rub, punctuating my writing on my 12" Mac Powerbook, plugged into car lighter.  Using  cell phone and email, eight hours a day; seeing, among other things,  if it's feasible to make come true the dream of a bride in British  Columbia who's written me that she's always dreamed of getting  married to the strains of "Come Softly To Me" at her wedding.
12 Actress, Director, Musician, Arts Activist HELEN CHRISTOPHER Honored, three year ago today! Recipient of 2003 Salute to the Arts Award, "for your numerous and outstanding contributions to the Arts in the South Sound Area."

Former City Official ELDON MARSHALL wrote in a personal note of congratulations to Helen, dated 3/28/03, "I just want to express my thanks for your leadership in achieving the 'Performing Arts Center' for our community. If not for your efforts and persistence I doubt that we would have it today."
  April, Writing & Editing and rewriting Liner Notes and Mastering CD, 
Pacific Studios, Tacoma, WA.
16  THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET, attended by 
Princesses Kamiel, Kimari, and Gretchen (3 generations), Seattle, WA.
  April, Attend CD RELEASE PARTIES for friends: Drummer Alan White and 
WHITE; and Guitarist Roger Fisher and CLEVER BASTARDS, Seattle, WA.
26 Happy Birthday, dear brother! World Class Sail Racer JAMES GRAY CHRISTOPHER
Great Grand Master Laser Sailracing Champion of the United States, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. Congratulations, again!
29 91st Birthday, JOSIE WILSON Blue Horizon Records Label Founder, original Producer of The Ventures' music and Mother of The Ventures' Co-Founder Don Wilson.
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3 Happy Birthday, ELLIE FRONEY (friends since before we were born)!
10
Happy Birthday, VICTORIA MACDONALD (aspiring Screenwriter)!
Wedding Anniversary of Concert Producer David Harris & Glenna Gibson.
13
HELEN CHRISTOPHER (our beloved Grand Matriarch "Nana", almost 97), Mothers Day brunch at daughter Gretchen's on the bay .
(click on photo to enlarge)
23 Happy Birthday, adorable ELSA DORIAN, Fleetwoods Replacement, Olympia, WA.
31  Happy Birthday to P. STERLING RADCLIFFE, Songwriter, "You're the First, the Last, My Everything"
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11 Pacific Northwest Ballet, , Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
23 Happy Birthday, dear brother! W. IAN CHRISTOPHER, South Sound Sailing Society's Fleet Champion,
for 9 consecutive years past!

Happy first birthday, GRAY, Grammy Gretchen's 1st grandson and fifth "Grammy Award"! (:o)
24 Remembering The Fleetwoods' Producer, Dolphin/Dolton Records President ROBERT REISDORFF, born 84 years ago this day, and who, four years ago, June 15th, passed away. He may be gone, but the beautiful, ground-breaking, now-classic music he produced lives on. We love you Bob!
27 In remembrance of LENORE O'CONNOR SEVERSON.
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2 July 2nd through the 4th - America's Festival, Washington State Senior Games.
4 Happy Birthday, America! and Gretchen's "Guardian Angel" CHARLES DREYER!
30 Happy 97th Birthday, HELEN GRAY CHRISTOPHER, Recipient of the 2003 Salute to the Arts Award -- and Beautiful Matriarch!
 
"To say that you deserve all the honor that has come to you goes without saying, but I'm happy it's being said.  Success and dignity so seldom accompany each other that your dignity masked your success for too great a while.  Your contributions to the arts are eclipsed only by the raising of your family.  They say an educated woman educates a family
Your children are the living messages you have sent into time. Passed from generation to generation, that message is heard like an echo from an unknown place.  Wherever you sit becomes the head of the table."

 

 

Family Gathering to Celebrate HELEN'S life (while she is still with us). Friends and acquaintances invited to write your communications, memories and appreciation to Helen Christopher P.O. Box 11311, Olympia, WA 98508-1311.

Olympia, WA. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes!

31 Happy 1st Anniversary to Gretchen's nephew DAN and his bride TONI
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1 Leo Luncheon honoring July 30th Birthday of HELEN (Mrs. Ian Christopher, 2003 Salute to the Arts Award Recipient and mother of The Fleetwoods' Founder),
4-5 Birthday of GINA (daughter-in-law of The Fleetwoods' Founder) and fifth wedding anniversary of GINA and CHRIS, (GC's son)
7 Birthday of EVA (Mrs. Roger Fisher, wife of Heart's Founding Guitarist)
27 Tug Boat Race Party, Potluck & Jam with Gretchen Christopher! By Invitation, at The Firs on Budd Inlet, culminating Olympia Harbor Days, Olympia, WA
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23 4th BIRTHDAY OF "TWIN" COUSINS, KAMIEL & AVERY, born the very same morning -- September 23, 2002 -- to "Grammy" Gretchen's daughter and son (and their spouses : )
24 PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
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VOCAL COACHING, Individual or Vocal Group, by appointment, call Gold Cup Music (360) 866-7866.
23 Make A Difference Day
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 3 "Legendary Artist Interview Series"  features GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER on Friday Class Reunion on KRIM FM in Payson, Arizona, Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time (Gretchen will be on at 2PM Pacific Standard Time, 3PM MST). Host Kelly Watts  says, "To listen on the web, just go to www.mypayson.com and,
on the right, under DAILY DESTINATIONS, click on Watch Channel 4."
(This show is the sound track for the City of Payson channel 4.) 
Click & LISTEN TO INTERVIEW
9 Scorpio Party: Happy new year, all you Scorpios, including KIMARI and JOYCE!
10 Happy Birthday, adorable KIMARI, daughter of The Fleetwoods' Founder.

Hollywood Diner's Daddy Dave answers the request of Gretchen Christopher, shows off his
Fleetwoods I.Q. and may even share a sneak Preview. (Broadcast 8PM Pacific ST /
11PM Eastern ST)
Click & LISTEN TO INTERVIEW
11 Hollywood Diner's Daddy Dave answers the request of Gretchen Christopher, shows off his
Fleetwoods I.Q. and may even share a sneak Preview. (Replay: 1PM PST /
4PM EST)

Pacific NW Chapter of The Recording Academy presents MUSIC TECH 06 at EMP/Experience Music Project,
Seattle, WA. 
18 ARTIST TRUST presents  Art World Survival and Grant Writing, Tacoma School of the Arts, Tacoma, WA
23 Happy Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for: including reunions with family, former in-laws, now friends!
Love is forever, it just takes different forms!
24 Celebrate DICK CLARK'S Birthday with Gretchen Christopher on "DADDY DAVE'S HOLLYWOOD DINER" ON
XM SATELLITE RADIO 50s channel (XM 50s on 5) or AOLradio.com Or Direct TV Ch.802:
Tune in to the DINER at 8pm Pacific and 11pm Eastern
Click & LISTEN TO INTERVIEW
25 A repeat of "DADDY DAVE'S HOLLYWOOD DINER" at 1pm Pacific and 4pm Eastern.
28 Happy Birthday, GARY ROBERT TROXEL, an Original Fleetwood. We who are left to carry on appreciate your contribution to the original sound and especially your unforgettable "Umn Dooby Doo, Dom Dom" back-up, which Gretchen arranged in counterpoint to include you in the song, "Come Softly To Me," and musical history!
30 Hear GRETCHEN CHRISTOPHER read her Poem for DICK CLARK  (Click Here)
30

November 30th! Another year older?
Don't be "Mr. Blue"
Dick Clark, you're loved the whole world over.
These greetings attest it's true.

How many teens might have lost their way
Had Bandstand not been born?
"Lovers By Night, Strangers By Day,"
All of us would mourn.

Another man spinning hits in your place
May help them climb the roster,
But millions of us who know your face
Say, "He's The Great Imposter."

"Outside My Window," you may "Runaround"
Or retreat to your Caribbean pleasures.
Wherever you go, good wishes abound;
You're one of our national treasures.
 

"Goodnight My Love," you're "The Last One To Know"
"You Mean Everything To Me"
Since the first time we Fleetwoods were on your show
And sang "Come Softly To Me."

Some feel each birthday's a "Tragedy"
("Graduation's Here" and gone)
But with you, dear Dick, we're eternally young;
The music plays on and on!
 
 by Gretchen Christopher copyright 1992, All Rights Reserved -
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1 Survivor SONJA and family arrive from California.  Dinner party at Matzens'.
2 Family Dinner party at Helmers'.
3 Sunday Brunch at The Firs on Budd Inlet.
6 Parade of Lighted Ships, viewed from The Firs on Budd Inlet, and Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! CD preview party


(Click on photo to enlarge)

"Come Softly To Me" Songwriter/Recording Artist Gretchen Christopher, her daughter Kimari, son-in-law Chris Helmer and granddaughter Lilli (born almost on Grammy Gretchen's February 29th birthday) watch Parade of Lighted Ships from her deck, in Olympia, Washington, before the storm, from which the Helmers would provide shelter. Background, flute player John Worsley, back-up singer on CD, Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16), a portion of which will go for Gulf hurricane relief. For further information, see https://www.thefleetwoods.com/sweet16CD.html
Photo by KK Ryder © 2006 Gold Cup Music.


(click on photo to enlarge)

At her Parade of Lights party, before the storm plunged them into darkness, Gretchen Christopher (Right) and her "little Grammy awards" (granddaughters facing camera, R to L, Kamiel, Tessa Noel and Avery Autumn) are amazed and delighted by impromptu entertainment of Sky Benson, "the magic guy!" (foreground, Hayley and Owen).
Photo by KK Ryder © 2006 Gold Cup Music.

9 Parade of Lighted Ships & Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! CD preview party
11
NARAS Pacific Northwest Chapter’s Annual Membership Meeting and Holiday Celebration on Monday, December 11th from 6-9 PM in the lobby of the Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA.
  
Silent Auction benefiting MusiCares.  There will be live music by Board President and Latin GRAMMY Nominee Jovino Santos-Neto, DJ El Toro and presentations from the National Staff.  We will be honoring those members celebrating their anniversaries and highlighting our accomplishments as a Chapter this past year.   To RSVP, please email Michaels@grammy.com  or call 206.834.1004.
14-18
STORM, UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS   
 
Gretchen Christopher © 2006
 
DESPITE OUR BEING IN THE NEWS FOR OUR WEATHER, THIS HAS BEEN MY BEST DECEMBER, EVER! It began with my Survivor Sister Sonja Christopher's arrival from California and four family celebrations in less than 48 hours. The following weekend was my Parade of Lights Party; music, laughter and beauty as we watched the Parade of Lighted Ships sail by my deck. What happened next is accounted for below. December ends with a warm and wonderful New Year's Eve gathering of family and friends at my daughter Kimari and son-in-law Chris's. January will be putting on the finishing touches for FEBRUARY CD RELEASE of Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16).
 
AND HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED, IN BETWEEN:
 
How good life is, even with 78 MPH winds, no electricity, no running water, no phones. Kind of makes one realize that we're not isolated from the distant reality of Katrina. (BTW, people still are suffering there and in need of our support. I've pledged a percentage of my upcoming CD, Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) . Friends and Fans wishing to contribute in this way may hear sound clips at https://www.thefleetwoods.com/sweet16CD.html

 

Following account is in CAPS for RELIEF OF BLURRY EYES AND EASY READING (I'M NOT SHOUTING :o)
 
I'M VERY HAPPY BUT QUITE TIRED, HAVING HAD LITTLE SLEEP THE LAST TWO NIGHTS. I SLEPT AT MY DAUGHTER KIMARI'S.  SHE HAD PHONED, SINCE HER YOUNGEST, ALMOST-22-MONTH-OLD LILLI, WAS SOBBING, "I MISS GRAMMY!", AND SO MY PRESENCE WAS REQUESTED, FIRST FOR A VISIT, THEN TO STAY FOR DINNER WITH KIMARI AND HER HUSBAND AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS, AND, WITH THE ELECTRICAL LIGHTS FLICKERING AND A STORM PREDICTED, I WAS INVITED TO STAY THE NIGHT. 
 
WE ALL FOUND SLEEP ELUSIVE WITH THE ROAR OF WINDS UP TO 78 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CRASH OF A TREE INTO THE HOUSE, A LIMB GOING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE ATTACHED GARAGE AND ANOTHER SMALL ONE THROUGH THE METAL ROOF OF THE SELF-CONTAINED CAMPER WHICH MIGHT HAVE PROVIDE A WARM SHOWER, WHEN THE MAIN HOUSE WAS DEPRIVED OF ALL ELECTRICITY, WATER, ETC. (THE DENT IN THE TOP OF MY CAMRY AND BROKEN TAIL LENS ARE NEGLIGIBLE, AND MY SON-IN-LAW IS MYSTIFIED HOW IT ESCAPED SEVERE DAMAGE, WITH FLYING LIMBS LANDING ALL AROUND IT!)
 
"NANA" (MY BEAUTIFUL 97 YEAR OLD MOTHER) AND HER CAREGIVER JUDY WERE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THE SECOND NIGHT, THEIR BEING OUT OF ELECTRICITY, TOO, BUT OUR AT LEAST HAVING THE HEAT OF THE WOOD STOVE AT KIMARI'S. 
 
I VENTURED BACK HOME, JUST TO ASCERTAIN THAT NO TREE HAD FALLEN ON MY HOUSE, THOUGH I HAD TO PARK BLOCKS AWAY AND WALK IN, AS TREES AND POWER LINES WERE LYING ACROSS THE ROAD. IN A NEIGHBORING YARD, ONE HUGE TREE HAD FLATTENED FOUR VEHICLES IN A ROW! MERCIFULLY, AT MY PLACE, THE FIRS (FOR WHICH IT'S NAMED) HAD REMAINED STANDING. MY PISCES FISH WERE BENEATH THE ICE OF THEIR FROZEN POND. THE DECK WAS LIKE A SKATING RINK, THOUGH THE THERMOMETER SAID 38 DEGREES, INSIDE AND OUT. NO RUNNING WATER, BUT TOILETS WERE NOT FROZEN, PIPES NOT BROKEN.
 
I MADE SURE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS (DARK LIKE ALL ELSE) WERE TURNED OFF SO THEY WOULDN'T SURGE WHEN ELECTRICITY RETURNS. I PACKED OUT MY POWERBOOK COMPUTER, A CHANGE OF CLOTHES, AND FROZEN STEAKS TO ADD TO THE FAMILY LARDER, AND A NON-ELECTRIC PHONE WHICH MIGHT WORK AT KIMARI'S (WHERE EVEN CELL PHONES WERE OUT OF RANGE). I FILLED THE CAR TANK AND 5, 2, AND 1 GALLON CANS WITH $60 WORTH OF GAS (IN CASE I LATER CHOSE TO USE THE GENERATOR A FRIEND HAD INSTALLED FOR ME -- OR CONTRIBUTE TO MY SON'S IF I ACCEPTED THE INVITATION TO STAY THERE WITH HIM, HIS WIFE AND MY THREE LITTLE "GRAMMY AWARDS"); THEN I DROVE ACROSS TOWN TO DELIVER THE PHONE TO KIMARI. 
 
HER PLANNED CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR "MOM'S CLUB" WAS CANCELLED, AND ALL HER PREPARATIONS WENT TO PROVIDE US WITH A MARVELOUS SPAGHETTI DINNER BY CANDLELIGHT, HER HUSBAND CHRIS, HEATING IT ALL ON THE BARBEQUE GRILL OUT ON THE DECK AND LIGHTING MYRIAD CANDLES IN THE HOUSE FOR A ROMANTIC FESTIVE AIR.
 
SO MUCH LOVE AND WARMTH AND HAPPINESS, OUR ALL BEING TOGETHER, AND NANA SO ENJOYING THE SIGHT OF HER TWO GREAT GRANDDAUGHTERS PLAYING WITH ME, CHASING AND DANCING AND RUNNING ME HAPPILY RAGGED.
 
THESE ARE THE MEMORIES I WANT TO FILL MY CONSCIOUSNESS WITH TONIGHT, NOW THAT MOM'S ELECTRICITY HAS BEEN RESTORED -- THOUGH NOT MY DAUGHTER'S, OR SON'S OR MY FORMER HUSBAND'S (WHERE WE ALL CELEBRATED THANKSGIVING AND THE KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES HAD DINNER TONIGHT) NOR MINE. I'VE BROUGHT MOM BACK TO PANORAMA CITY, TAKEN HER TO THEIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT, PROVIDED, PREPARED AND ENJOYED OUR DINNER TOGETHER, HELPED HER GET READY AND TUCKED HER INTO BED.
 
NOW'S MY MOMENT TO RELAX WITH FRIENDS AND FANS AND PLUNGE INTO THE 1319 UNREAD EMAILS.
 
HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY HOLIDAY REPORT. IT KIND OF MAKES ME REALIZE, SUCH THINGS DON'T HAPPEN JUST OUT THERE, BUT RIGHT HERE IN MY OWN LITTLE TOWN (OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON), WHERE THE LOCAL PAPER'S HEADLINE READS, "60,000 IN THE DARK" -- AND I'M ONE OF THEM, BUT MY SOUL IS LIGHT. AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE THESE MEMORIES FOR ANYTHING.
 
SWEET DREAMS,
GRETCHEN
 
25 Wishing you Warm & Wonder-filled Holidays blessed with Health & Happiness and a New Year of Working & Playing together in Peace, throughout the World!
 
Happy Sixth Birthday, TESSA NOEL my very first Grammy Award.
29

The following is a response from Bob Brewer, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina (who has kept me apprised of it, since the beginning).

On Dec 29, 2006, at 3:46 PM, Bob Brewer wrote:
 
Happy New Year Gretchen

I sat mesmerized as I read your harrowing tales. These storms are just down right frightening as they are occurring. Mother Nature does not always have a sense of humor when she unleashes her wrath on us.

Although you and your family suffered trials and tribulations as a result of your "Katrina" you persevered and prevailed with the nurturing support from your family. And, yes, life is good!

As your tale unfolded, I was pleased to read at the end that, although still suffering from the inconvenience of no lights, you still had the "light" in your soul, as well as your warm memories of how you and your family reacted to each other during a stressful time.

I'm glad that you all made it safely. I just hope you all return to normal as quickly as possible. We so get used to our conveniences, don't we?

You mentioned that you did not drink because you wanted to maintain your school girl figure. That reminds me that I have not seen a recent photo of you. If you have one to share, perhaps taken with your family or in other circumstances, please share one. In the spirit of that sharing, here is a photo taken of Barbara and me taken at Christmas Dinner. Like you, we try, as best we can, to maintain our fitness.

Thank you for continuing to think and be concerned about those on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who continue to need assistance and hope and prayer. Church groups from all over the United States are continuing to pledge 10 years of support to our area to assist us in rebuilding.

Continued good luck on your CD Gretchen. And I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and continued success.
 
Warm Regards
Bob

 

31 New Year's Eve brings special good wishes, prayers for and thoughts of Dick Clark and decades of tradition. 
Happy Near You!! (:o)

Order autographed SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16) CD here 

Order autographed "Mr. BLUE" CD here!

 

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Treble clef image courtesy of Lisabeth's Music Images at  http://www.gymell.com/doc/musicimages.shtml

 


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